We are accustomed to think of the parables in the New Testament as simple stories for simple people, but Christ is a master story-teller, and within each of the parables there is a wealth of wisdom about finding the kingdom of God. The parable of the prodigal son is no exception.
Jesus’ listeners would have been familiar with the Old Testament story of Jacob and Esau, whereby Jacob is favoured by God, while Esau the elder brother to whom his father’s inheritance legally belonged, is rejected. The crowd listening to the parable would have been expecting a similar message of acceptance and rejection. However, in forgiving the contrite prodigal son the father does not reject the indignant elder brother, but instead reaffirms his fatherly love: “You are always with me, and everything I have is yours”. The father forgives both sons but commands them to live together in peace and brotherly harmony. Similarly, our heavenly Father who forgives us our sins commands us to show that same infinite love and mercy to one another. For it is only by being prodigal in love that we are truly marked as His children.
And another thing: As God’s chosen people Jews felt they had a major claim to God’s favour; but just as no father favours one child above another, God loves us all equally. In one sense we have all been chosen.
